How to Prepare for your Personality Portraits

A Simply Me personality portrait session in San Diego is all about your child being unapologetically themselves…the giggles, the wiggles, the serious faces, and everything in between. These sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed to capture who your child really is in this season of life.

A little preparation goes a long way in making the experience smooth and stress-free for both you and your child. Here’s exactly how to get ready for your Simply Me session.

1. Your Personalized Consultation Sets the Tone

Before your session, we’ll have a personalized consultation… this is where the magic really starts.

We’ll talk through:

Clothing options that feel comfortable and natural for your child

How colors and textures photograph best in black and white (hint- I always suggest a white/cream/light tone top)

Outfits your child can move, laugh, and be themselves in. Any other special activities or hobbies your kids are into to include.

We’ll also plan ahead for the final artwork:

Which walls in your home you’re considering for wall art

Whether you’re leaning toward digital images, framed or canvas wrapped prints, albums, or other heirloom products

Options if you don’t plan to fill your walls but still want meaningful artwork

This planning ensures your portraits don’t just live on your phone…they’re intentionally created for your home.

2. Feed Them First (Hangry Kids = No Fun)

This one is huge.

Please make sure your child has eaten before the session. A full belly helps everyone have a better experience.

A few helpful tips:

Arrive with a clean face and hands

Feel free to bring their outfit and let them get dressed at the studio to avoid spills or wrinkles on the way over

Try your best to avoid arguments, punishments, or stressful conversations during the drive

We want them walking in feeling calm, safe, and excited…not overwhelmed.

Pro tip:

Plan a reward for after the session! Ice cream? A Target toy? A fun outing? Let me know what it is ahead of time…I can absolutely use that motivation if needed.

3. Let Them Be Silly (That’s the Whole Point)

This is not a school photo.

Your child does not need to sit perfectly or force a smile.

In fact, the best portraits happen when:

They’re being goofy

They’re making faces

They’re chatting, moving, and expressing themselves

Please remind your child that this is their time to let loose and be themselves. Their personality is exactly what we’re celebrating and those authentic moments are what make the final artwork so powerful.

4. Don’t Forget Their Favorite Things

If your child has:

A favorite stuffy

A beloved toy

A special shirt or accessory

Bring it along! These items are often a huge comfort and they can absolutely be included in the session. Sometimes those small details end up being the most meaningful part of the portraits.

5. Relax…This Is the Easy Part for You

Once you arrive, your job is simple: relax.

I’ve got this.

I’ll guide your child, read their energy, and create a space where they feel confident and free to be themselves. I truly have so much fun capturing each child’s personality and it shows in the final images.

When you return for your ordering appointment, you’ll see just how adorable, expressive, and perfectly them your child is on camera.

Parents are always amazed by what we captured…and these portraits quickly become some of their most treasured artwork.

If you’re preparing for a Simply Me personality portrait session, know that it’s meant to be fun, easy, and meaningful. A little planning, a lot of trust, and a child who gets to be themselves…that’s the recipe for portraits you’ll love forever.

Ready to schedule your personality portrait session in San Diego, CA? Contact me with the link below to get your quick phone call scheduled.

ART SHOW COMING UP 8/29/26!

You can have your child be on display in my 2nd annual Simply Me art show through either a custom portrait session OR one of my exclusive portrait special days! Time is limited to get these documented and kids grow quick so contact me to get scheduled